Massachusetts's most popular baby names in 1966

In 1966, the state of Massachusetts witnessed a rise in the popularity of certain baby names. For baby girls, Lisa, Susan, and Karen were the top three names that parents chose for their newborns. Lisa, which means "God's promise", was a particularly popular choice, perhaps because of its simplicity and elegance. Susan, meaning "lily", and Karen, meaning "pure", were also favored by parents who wanted classic and timeless names for their daughters.

On the other hand, for baby boys, Michael, John, and David were the most popular names in Massachusetts in 1966. Michael, meaning "who is like God", was the most popular name for baby boys not just in Massachusetts, but across the United States. John, meaning "God is gracious", and David, meaning "beloved", were also popular choices for parents who wanted strong and meaningful names for their sons. Overall, these names were a reflection of the cultural and social trends of the time, and continue to be popular choices for parents even today.

Most popular baby girl names in Massachusetts in 1966

In 1966, the most popular baby girl names in Massachusetts were Lisa, Susan, Karen, Michelle, and Christine. Lisa was the most popular name with 2137 babies given that name, followed by Susan with 1151 babies, Karen with 1113 babies, Michelle with 1074 babies, and Christine with 976 babies. These names were all very popular and common choices for parents of baby girls in Massachusetts during that year.

Lisa

2137 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Lisa
The name Lisa is a short form of the name Elizabeth and means "God is my oath" or "pledged to God".
Susan

1151 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Susan
The name Susan means "lily" or "graceful lily" in Hebrew. It was a popular name in the 1940s and 1950s, but has since declined in popularity.
Karen

1113 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Karen
Karen is a Danish name that means "pure" or "clear".
Michelle

1074 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Michelle
Michelle is a feminine given name of French origin. The name means "who is like God" or "gift from God." It is a variation of the name Michael, which comes from Hebrew and means "who is like God." The name Michelle has been used in English-speaking countries since the mid-20th century and has gained popularity over time.
Christine

976 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Christine
The name Christine is of Greek origin and means "follower of Christ".
Kimberly
828 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Kimberly
The name Kimberly means "from the wood of the royal forest" or "royal fortress meadow". It is of Old English origin and was first used as a given name in the 1940s.
Mary
820 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Mary
Mary is a feminine given name that has been used in various cultures and languages throughout history. The meaning and origin of the name are uncertain, but it is believed to derive from the Hebrew name Miriam, which means "bitter" or "rebellious". The name Mary is popular in Christian cultures due to its association with the mother of Jesus Christ.
Kathleen
816 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Kathleen
The name Kathleen is of Irish origin and means "pure" or "clear". It is a variant of the name Katherine.
Patricia
763 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Patricia
The name Patricia is derived from the Latin word "patricius," meaning "noble" or "aristocratic." It was a popular name in the Roman Empire and later spread throughout Europe. The name is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, kindness, and leadership.
Deborah
698 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Deborah
Deborah is a Hebrew name that means "bee". It is derived from the Hebrew word "d'vorah" which also means "word" or "thing". The name Deborah is often associated with strength, wisdom, and leadership, as the biblical Deborah was a judge and prophetess who led the Israelites to victory over their enemies.
Elizabeth
674 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my oath" or "my God is abundance". It is a name that has been popular for centuries and has been borne by many notable figures in history and literature.
Donna
616 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Donna
The name Donna is of Italian origin and means "lady" or "woman". It was initially used as a title of respect for women of high social status in Italy, but later became a popular given name in English-speaking countries.
Cheryl
592 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Cheryl
The name Cheryl is of English origin and its meaning is uncertain. It is believed to have been derived from the French name Cherie, which means "darling" or "beloved". However, some sources suggest that it may have originated from the Welsh name Ceinlys, which means "beautiful". The name Cheryl was most popular in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s.
Jennifer
578 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Jennifer
The name Jennifer is of Welsh origin and means "fair and smooth". It was first used as a given name in the United States in the 20th century and became very popular in the 1970s and 1980s.
Linda
549 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Linda
The name Linda means "beautiful" or "pretty" in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and other Romance languages. It is also derived from the Germanic word "lind," which means "gentle" or "soft."
Nancy
540 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Nancy
The name Nancy is of English origin and means "grace" or "favor".
Pamela
499 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Pamela
The name Pamela is of Greek origin and means "all sweetness" or "honeyed". It was first popularized by Sir Philip Sidney in his pastoral romance "Arcadia" (1590) and later by Samuel Richardson in his novel "Pamela" (1740).
Laura
470 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Laura
The name Laura is of Latin origin and means "bay laurel". It was a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Rome. The name has been popular in many countries and cultures throughout history.
Julie
450 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Julie
The name Julie is a French name that means "youthful" or "full of energy". It is derived from the Latin name Julia, which means "soft-haired" or "youthful".
Diane
439 baby girls born in Massachusetts (1966) named Diane
Diane is a feminine given name of French origin. The name is derived from the Roman goddess Diana, who was the goddess of hunting, the moon, and childbirth. The name Diane means "divine" or "heavenly".

Most popular baby boy names in Massachusetts in 1966

In 1966, the most popular baby boy names in Massachusetts were Michael, John, David, Robert, and James. Michael was the most popular name with 2943 babies given that name, followed closely by John with 2727 babies. David, Robert, and James were also popular choices, with 2440, 2182, and 2063 babies given those names respectively. These names have remained popular over the years and continue to be popular choices for baby boys today.

Michael

2943 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Michael
The name Michael means "Who is like God?" in Hebrew. It is a biblical name that is often associated with the archangel Michael, who is considered to be a protector and warrior in many religious traditions. The name has been popular throughout history and is still commonly used today.
John

2727 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named John
The name John is of Hebrew origin and means "God is gracious". It is a very common name and has been used for centuries. People with this name are often known for their kindness and generosity.
David

2440 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named David
The name David is of Hebrew origin and means "beloved" or "friend". It is a popular name in many cultures and religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In the Bible, David was the second king of Israel and is known for his bravery, leadership, and devotion to God. People with the name David are often described as confident, charismatic, and loyal.
Robert

2182 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Robert
The name Robert means "bright fame" or "famous brilliance". It is of Old German origin and was a popular name among medieval kings and nobility.
James

2063 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named James
The name James is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who follows".
Richard
1419 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Richard
The name Richard means "brave ruler" or "powerful leader".
Paul
1414 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Paul
The name Paul is of Latin origin and means "small" or "humble". It was originally derived from the Roman family name Paulus, which was a common name in ancient Rome. The name has been popularized by various saints and biblical figures, including the apostle Paul, who was a significant figure in the early Christian church.
William
1370 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named William
The name William means "resolute protector" or "strong-willed warrior". It is of Germanic origin and has been a popular name throughout history.
Mark
1281 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Mark
The name Mark is derived from the Latin name "Marcus" which means "dedicated to Mars", the Roman god of war. It is a popular name among Christians as it is the name of one of the four Gospel writers in the New Testament. The name Mark is also associated with qualities such as courage, strength, and leadership.
Christopher
1241 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Christopher
The name Christopher means "bearer of Christ" or "Christ-bearer."
Joseph
1199 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Joseph
The name Joseph is of Hebrew origin and means "God will increase".
Thomas
1159 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Thomas
The name Thomas is of Aramaic origin and means "twin". It is a common name in many cultures and has been used for centuries.
Scott
1100 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Scott
The name Scott is of Scottish origin and means "from Scotland" or "wanderer". It is a common surname that has been used as a first name since the 19th century.
Steven
1019 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Steven
The name Steven is of Greek origin and means "crown" or "garland". It is a variation of the name Stephen.
Kevin
1015 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Kevin
The name Kevin is of Irish origin and means "handsome" or "gentle birth". It is derived from the Irish name Caoimhín, which is composed of the Gaelic words "caomh" meaning "kind" or "gentle" and "gin" meaning "birth".
Brian
1004 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Brian
The name Brian is of Irish origin and means "strong, virtuous, and honorable". It is a popular name for boys in Ireland and has been used in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages.
Stephen
971 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Stephen
The name Stephen means "crown" or "garland" in Greek. It is derived from the Greek name Stephanos, which was a common name among early Christians due to its association with Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
Daniel
938 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Daniel
The name Daniel means "God is my judge".
Jeffrey
821 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Jeffrey
The name Jeffrey is of Germanic origin and means "peaceful pledge". It is a variant of the name Geoffrey.
Timothy
769 baby boys born in Massachusetts (1966) named Timothy
The name Timothy is of Greek origin and means "honoring God" or "one who honors God". It is derived from the Greek name Timotheos, which is a combination of the words "timao" meaning to honor and "theos" meaning God.